What’s wrong with the student’s answer? He didn’t accept the compliment in____same way as the American people do．He should say“Thank you”instead of“No”．He _____(real) understood what the American boy had said，____he thought he should be modest．In the west，people will feel proud and confident when they____(praise)．So if someone says the dishes you have cooked are very delicious，you should say“Thank you”．If someone says to a woman“You look so____(beauty)with the new clothes on”，she must be very happy and say“Thank you”．

If you are modest and say“No，I'm afraid I can’t do it well”while _____(work)in a western country，the others may think that you really cannot do it．If you often say“No”，you will certainly be looked down upon by others．If asking_____a job，one says something like“Yes，I can certainly do it” instead of Let me have a try he or she will hope ____(get)it. So in the west，you should be brave to show your_____(confident)!

“Image is everything．” An entire industry has been built upon the assumption that image is everything, but when it comes down to it, an appealing image is not enough．If there is no substance（事实） behind the image, the product, service or person will fail eventually．

First of all, one should consider how important image is in the selling of products and services．Advertising agencies have raised the art of creating an image to a state of near perfection．Public concept of that product or service is certainly managed by the images created by the advertising agencies．But if the product or service does not live up to the image that was created, the customer will be very dissatisfied and possibly ask for their money back．For example, the Arthur Andersen accounting firm had spent decades building up an image of trustworthiness．But the recent scandal（丑闻）showed that behind that image, it cheated in business practices．Despite the previous positive image, the firm is being accused of criminal actions and it will probably not survive as a business unit．Although the image had been nearly perfect, the reality behind the image has led to the downfall of the world famous accounting firm．

Similarly, personal advisers can build up a public image for politicians and movie stars．Putting out positive news releases, making sure that only the best photographs are published, and ensuring that the person is seen in all the right places can build up a very positive image in the view of the general commons．But once again, history is filled with examples of both politicians and movie stars that fell from grace like the story of the Hollywood actor giving in to the pressures of fame and fortune．With people, just as with products and services, image is certainly important, but without positive substance behind the image, failure is close．

To summarize, it is clear that an appealing image is extremely important to success, whether that image is related to selling a product or service or to the “selling” of a person．But image is only half of the equation．What lies behind that image is every bit as important as the image itself —— the person or product must deliver on that image or there is little chance for long-term success．

_____   _____    _____    _____    _____     _____    _____   _____     _____   _____ 

“Image is everything．” An entire industry has been built upon the assumption that image is everything, but when it comes down to it, an appealing image is not enough．If there is no substance（事实） behind the image, the product, service or person will fail eventually．

First of all, one should consider how important image is in the selling of products and services．Advertising agencies have raised the art of creating an image to a state of near perfection．Public concept of that product or service is certainly managed by the images created by the advertising agencies．But if the product or service does not live up to the image that was created, the customer will be very dissatisfied and possibly ask for their money back．For example, the Arthur Andersen accounting firm had spent decades building up an image of trustworthiness．But the recent scandal（丑闻）showed that behind that image, it cheated in business practices．Despite the previous positive image, the firm is being accused of criminal actions and it will probably not survive as a business unit．Although the image had been nearly perfect, the reality behind the image has led to the downfall of the world famous accounting firm．

Similarly, personal advisers can build up a public image for politicians and movie stars．Putting out positive news releases, making sure that only the best photographs are published, and ensuring that the person is seen in all the right places can build up a very positive image in the view of the general commons．But once again, history is filled with examples of both politicians and movie stars that fell from grace like the story of the Hollywood actor giving in to the pressures of fame and fortune．With people, just as with products and services, image is certainly important, but without positive substance behind the image, failure is close．

To summarize, it is clear that an appealing image is extremely important to success, whether that image is related to selling a product or service or to the “selling” of a person．But image is only half of the equation．What lies behind that image is every bit as important as the image itself —— the person or product must deliver on that image or there is little chance for long-term success．

 _____    _____    _____    _____    _____    _____     _____   _____   _____  _____ 

This year, according to the last World Happiness Report, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Sweden have been ranked as the five happiest countries in the world. So why are these countries so happy? Well, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OEDC), the Netherlands was ranked as one of the best countries for jobs. Nearly 75% of residents have jobs to do, but they rarely work very long hours, which gives them more time at home to spend with their families. 94% of residents claim if they were ever in trouble, they would be confident in knowing they can turn to someone close to them for help at any time. In this country, colleges and universities are free, and young adults are given the opportunity to pick a career they’re passionate about.

People of Switzerland value good work ethics（道德规范）and pride themselves on their ability to save money and spend wisely. Of all the OECD countries, Switzerland has the highest employment rate of 79% for people aged 18 to 65 and the average income per household is around $30,000. Citizens of Switzerland claim they tend to have happier thoughts and experiences over negative ones on a daily basis and feel entirely satisfied with their way of life.

In Denmark, the government tries to ensure its residents are happy and healthy. If you lose your job, the government is there to support you for up to four years, covering up to 90% of your expense. In a nation of over five million people, healthcare is free. Its citizens go to college for free and are offered financial aid every month, even if they live at home with their parents. A third of Denmark’s residents ride their bikes to get around, making it one of the most environmentally conscious nations.

Of all the nations measured, people in Sweden are among the healthiest. This might have something to do with their incredible air and water quality. Residents in Sweden enjoy around five weeks of paid vacation from work each year and understand the importance of spending time with their families. With the free education system, young people are given the chance to decide their future and pursue the career they want.

In Norway, people can attend college for free. People of Norway claim they can trust almost anyone and are continually happy with their life choices. The employment rate in Norway is around 75% with a gross（粗略的）pay of $44,000 for full-time employees. If a mother chooses to stay home with her pre-school aged child, she’ll receive a monthly stipend (津贴) from the government to help support her. Norwegians care much about one another and often treat tourists and visitors in a very warm manner, making them feel at home. Freedom of expression is highly valued in this country and they strive to treat everyone fairly.

Maybe you are an average student. You probably think you will never be a top student. This is not necessary so, however. Anyone can become a better student if he or she wants to. Here’s how:

 (1) Plan your time carefully. When you plan your week, you should make a list of things that you have to do. After making this list, you should make a schedule of your time. First your time for eating, sleeping, dressing, etc. then decide a good, regular time for studying. Don’t forget to set aside enough time for entertainment. A weekly schedule may not solve all your problems, but it will force you to realize what is happening to your time.

 (2) Find a good place to study. Look around the house for a good study area. Keep this space, which may be a desk or simply a corner of your room, free of everything but study materials. No games, radios, or television! When you sit down to study, concentrate on the subject.

 (3) Make good use of your time in class. Take advantage of class time to listen to everything the teachers say. Really listening in class means less work later. Taking notes will help you remember what the teacher says.

 (4) Study regularly. When you get home from school, go over your notes. Review the important points that your teacher mentioned in class. If you know what your teacher is going to discuss the next day, read that material in advance. This will help you understand the next class. If you do these things regularly, the material will become more meaningful, and you will remember it longer.

 (5) Develop a good attitude about tests. The purpose of a test is to show what you have learned about a subject. They help you remember your new knowledge. The world won’t end if you don’t pass a test, so don’t be overly worried.

There are other methods that might help you with your studying. You will probably discover many others after you have tried these.

How to become a better student

  Lead poisoning occurs when lead is presented in high level in the blood of a person．It is the most common medical problem found in children．And it's important to recognize the presence of lead in a child’s body because lead is very harmful．

    Children have the tendency to go around and put things in their mouth like paint．This is one of the main causes of lead poisoning．I also have found that children born in poor farmilies have higher chances of getting exposed to lead．Lead can also be found in old water pipes and food and juice cans．

    Some of the common symptoms of lead poisoning in children are headaches，stomach pain，hair loss,muscle weakness，weight loss，ect．

    Lead poisoning can have severe effects and can lead to head diseases，kidney diseases and other problems．It can also result in mental retardation and low I．Q．level．There have been cases where lead poisoning proves to be deadly for the child．

    It’s difficult to recognize whether a child is affected with lead poisoning easily，as the symptoms of this disease can occur due to some other medical problems．Therefore，children under the age of 6 should regularly be checked to know the level of lead in their blood，through blood test．It’s possible to completely cure a child with lead poisoning through treatment．Usually，oral medicines are given to the child，while sometimes，they’re injected for reducing the lead level．Children who have very high level of lead in their blood would need treatment for a long period of time and would also be put on a special diet．

    Parents have to take certain measures to lower the chance of lead poisoning in children．Cleaning the house regularly and removing shoes at the door，after coming from outside，will prevent the lead particles(微粒)from entering the house．Children should be put on a healthy diet，containing high proportions(比例)of calcium and iron，such as eggs，milk，fruits，potatoes，ect．which helps to keep the lead level in control，in the child’s body．In short，parents should be careful and protect their children from the horrible consequences of lead poisoning．

Lead Poisoning in Children

Self-regulated Learning

Today, people change jobs an average of seven times before they retire. Many of these career changes require new learning that must be self-initiated and self-directed. Thus, one goal of teaching is to free students from the need for teachers, so they can continue to learn independently throughout their lives. That is, to make them self-regulated learners. Self-regulated learners have a combination of academic learning skills and self-control that makes learning easier.

What influences self-regulated learning?

Knowledge, motivation and will-power combine to influence self-regulated learning.

First of all, self-regulated learners have knowledge about themselves. For example, they know their preferred learning styles; what their interests and talents are: and how to take advantage of their strengths. These experts also know quite a bit about the subject being studied-and the more they know, the easier it is to learn more. They understand different learning tasks require different approaches. Further, they have mastered adequate learning strategies and tactics. For example, they know how and when to skim and how and when to read for deep understanding.

Self-regulated learners are motivated by learning itself. They find many tasks in school interesting because they value learning, not just performing well in the eyes of others. However, knowledge and motivation are not always enough. Self-regulated learners need will-power. They wonˈt give up easily. They know how to protect themselves from distractions—for example, what to do when attracted to stop working and have a cup of coffee.

A model of self-regulated learning.

Phi Winne and Allyson Hadwin put forward a 4-stage model.

1) Analyzing the learning task. Learners examine whatever information they think is relevant in order to construct a sense of what the task is about, what resources are available, and how they feel about the work to be done.

2)Setting goals and devising plans. What goals for studying might you set for a quiz covering only one chapter that counts just 3% toward your grade? Would your goals change if the test covered the last six chapters and counted 30% toward your course grade? Your goal in turn affects the shape of your plans for how to study. Is cramming(突击学习) the best approach? Is it a better plan to study a half-hour each day?

3)Enacting tactics and strategies to accomplish the task. Learners put their tactics and strategies into practice and monitor how well the plan is working. Are you reaching your goals? Is your progress rate fast enough to be prepared for the test?

4)Regulating learning. Learners have to decide whether changes are needed in any of the three preceding stages. For example, if learning is slow：Do you need to review some prior material that provides foundations for the content you are now studying?

Teaching toward self-regulated learning.

To develop studentsˈ self-regulated learning ability, teachers should let students take an active part in finishing complex meaningful tasks; give them control over their learning processes and products; involve students in setting criteria for evaluating their learning processes and products, then give them opportunities to make judgments about their progress using those standards.

Title: Self-regulated Learning

Computer addiction can be described as the overuse of the computer which continues despite serious negative consequences for personal, social or occupational functions. However, not all people who spend hours each day on the computer are considered addicted. There are many uses for computers and the Internet and in many cases, an individual may spend 6 or more hours in a day on the computer but still not be considered an addict. Therefore, there is no set number of hours that is considered a potential for computer addiction.

But those who are suffering from anxiety and depression caused by stress at work, relationships or financial problems tend to become computer addicts. Some people become addicted mainly because they feel bored with everything and feel like there is nothing else to do.

If one feels an intense desire to go online, play a computer game, or socialize as soon as he wakes up and before he goes to bed, he may have become an addict. Other symptoms include using the computer as the only source of entertainment, lying to his family and friends about the activities that he performs while on the computer. Some addicts possess anxious feelings when wanting to use the computer or knowing that time on the computer is limited. Others may lose track of time while on the computer and spend more time on it than intended. The computer can also be used as a form of escapism from reality.

Excessive computer use may result in the lack of face-to-face social interaction and an increasing amount of time and money on hardware, software and computer-related activities. Computer addiction makes one neglect his work, school, or family obligations. He often fails at repeated efforts to control computer use. So it’s time to seek help for the sake of health.

Counseling (心理辅导) or therapy can focus on treating underlying mental health conditions that caused the addiction such as anxiety, depression, social trauma or other conditions. Many different options for group or community support are available to assist those addicts. Just getting out and interacting with others can be very rewarding to the computer addict. Another method is to focus on new interests. For instance, a computer user might take part in a new gym membership, spend time at the movies with friends or go out for a walk. If a computer user does feel that he must go onto the computer, consider talking himself out of the computer use unless it is absolutely necessary. If he does go on the computer, he must make a plan for what he will do when on the computer, how long it will take and what time you will be off of the computer.

Directions: Read the passage carefully. Then answer the question or complete the statements with no more than 15 words.

Finland is an innovative (创新的)country when it comes to education. It's consistently one of

the highest performing developed countries on the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), an important tool for measuring education systems worldwide. Here are some things Finland does differently — and arguably better — than the US when it comes to education.

1  Better standardized tests

Finnish students only take one standardized test during their entire primary and secondary

schooling. By contrast, the US, driven by No Child Left Behind requires students in third through eighth grade to take annual standardized tests to track their performance. Critics claim constant testing doesn't make students any smarter but instead creates a "teaching to the test" environment in schools.

2  More time for play

Students in Finland spend relatively little time on homework, according to the Organization

for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Finnish students spend 2.8 hours a week on homework. This contrasts noticeably from the 6.1 hours American students spend per week. Finns place a lot of value on free time and play. This "deficit of play" for American students may lead to additional anxiety and other mental health issues, the psychologist and research professor Peter Gray has written.

3 College is free

In Finland, not only are bachelor degree programs completely free of tuition fees, so are

master and doctoral programs. Students pursue higher education goals without the mountains of

student loan debt that many American students face. And the same goes for foreign students. Tuition is free for any student accepted into a college or graduate program in Finland.

4  Elevated teaching profession

In Finland, teaching is one of the most revered professions with a relatively high barrier to

entry. Only one in 10 students who apply to teacher education programs are admitted. Teachers in Finland are treated like professors at universities, and they teach fewer hours during the day than US teachers, with more time devoted to lesson planning. What’s more, they also get paid slightly more in Finland. The average teacher in the US makes about $ 41,000 a year, compared to $ 43,000 in Finland, according to OECD data.